Enabling Debug mode causes Windows to hang if no Debugger is connected

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Symptoms

On a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, after installing Debugging Tools for Windows, the Operating System with debug mode enabled may hang if an application throws user-mode exception.

Cause

When Debug mode is enabled and the debugger has not connected due to the user mode exception, the system will hang waiting for a debugger to intervene from the breakpoint.

Resolution

To resolve this problem, disable Debug mode using one of the methods below:

Using System Configuration settings

Using keyboard press, Windows Key+R to open Run box

Type MSCONFIG and then press Enter

Select Boot tab and then select Advanced options

Uncheck on the Debug check box

Click on OK

Click on Apply and then OK

Restart the computer

Using Command Line Interface

Open an elevatedCommand prompt

Type the following command and press Enter:bcdedit -debug off

Restart the computer

More Information

Note that Windows should not be run in Debug mode permanently. Debug mode is enabled for connecting to Kernel Debug using Debuggers like Debugging Tools for Windows (WinDbg) and must be turned off once the purpose is accomplished.